No consensus, HIND leaders question KS Eshwarappa's intention

Bengaluru: Likeminded backward classes leaders who gathered here on Saturday under the leadership of opposition leader in the Legislative Council K.S. Eshwarappa, who has set out to constitute an apolitical group of backward classes, failed to arrive at a consensus on forming the group.

The leaders questioned Mr Eshwarappa’s intention and motive, saying since the beginning of his political career he had not shown any inclination towards the Kuruba community or the backward classes movements.

“Why are you suddenly interested in this grouping? Can community leaders repose faith in you to take forward the group to achieve its goals,” asked leaders like Mukudappa, Veerupaksha and retired IAS officer Puttaswamy.

A few leaders opposed the idea of naming the group Sangolli Rayanna Brigade, saying that it would be restricted only to the Kuruba community, and other backward classes and Dalits would not participate in it. Some leaders suggested that Mr Eshwarappa start a movement for 'HIND' communities, including Dalits and all BCs.

But a few opposed the inclusion of Dalits and OBCs, saying Dalits had their own outfit and BCs had community wise organisations.  The leaders were not convinced with Mr Eshwarappa’s intentions, as they felt that he was looking only for political gains from such a grouping. Still the leaders resolved to meet on August 18 to finalise the name, scope and objectives of the group.

They decided to hold a rally of BCs and Dalits on September 26 in Haveri. A leader told DC that the intention was to prove Mr Eshwarapap’s strength to his friend-turned-foe B.S. Yeddyurappa. Mr Eshwarappa said, “The Congress is using backward classes and Dalits as its vote bank without providing any facilities to them.”